Motorsports community hails ‘stalwart’ Henriques
Published:Thursday | August 12, 2021 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
The motorsports community is trying to come to terms with the passing of veteran administrator Larry Henriques, which they termed ‘a great loss’.
Henriques passed away yesterday morning after battling an illness for more than a year. He was 67 years old.
Motorsports personalties said Henriques, one of the few persons involved in all aspects of the sport, was a mentor and stalwart who possessed a wealth of knowledge.
“Larry has taught me so much; he gave me all the knowledge in motorsport, and I appreciate all that he taught me,” shared former Jamaica Millenium Motoring Club (JMMC) President Marcia Gibbs.
“He was one of the forefathers in organising Dover racing. He was a teacher and mentor, and a lot of what I have known in motorsports in the last 20 years, Larry taught me. My heart goes out to his family,” she said.
Henriques was a member of the JMMC board, head of the Suzuki Owners’ Club, and chairman of Rally Jamaica. He was central to the organisation of race meets at Dover, rally events, dexterity tests and go-karting.
FEARLESS CHARACTER
Current JMMC President Steven Gunter recalled Henriques as a fearless and outspoken character.
“He was fearless in calling out any authority he thought was doing wrong, and he would commend those who are doing right,” said Gunter. “He was a voice of reason, a counsellor and mentor to many whom he has guided through motor sports.”
Gunter added that the motoring community will be recognising the stalwart.
“It is a great personal loss and I am still coming to terms with the fact that he is not around. And to his family we send our best wishes and strength in this time,” Gunter said.
Many-time national champion driver David Summerbell Jr said Henriques touched so many lives in motorsports because of his involvement, including car repairs.
“If you needed a steward or marshall, he would be there. He organised every aspect. This is a huge loss to motorsports,” said Summerbell Jr. “He would assist those who needed bodywork after an accident. He was just a very kind person, very knowledgeable, and someone who put their all into the sport over many years.”
Fellow top-notch driver Kyle Gregg said he was like family.
“He has always been a close family friend. He was like an uncle. He ran all rally events and so it (passing) is very harsh, as he was a man behind everything,” Gregg commented.
Henriques is survived by his wife Judy, son Lance, daughter Tina, and grandchildren.